MANDY 2 -- Spring 2005/ This beauty came into the program from BARC. She is a S/W female, about 3-4yo; very sweet. She was so happy to be rescued, she put her nose forward and boogied all the way to the rescue car. She battled an UTI and also had sores on her feet. She was treated for both ailments and recovered nicely. Mandy's delighted family says she is wonderful: "She is smart as a whip, and so well trained. She listens to every word I say. My husband found the key to her heart: she responds well to treats and if he starts loving on our dog, Lucky, she can see how much affection Lucky gets from Lou, and is beginning to realize there is nothing to fear. I told you she is so smart! She will teach us all!"

MARIUS -- Fall 2003. S/W, 3-4yo; was relinquished to our program by HCAC. Marius was a very sick boy: he came into the program with sarcoptic mange and oozing sores, ear infections, hook worms (the most his doctor had ever seen on a slide), whip worms, coccidia (intestinal parasites), ticks, and anemia. And if all that were not enough to make a dog feel very bad, Marius was HW+, and he has severe  dysplasia in both hips that will require major surgery after we get him well. He had been neglected all his short life, and the shelter picture does not truly show the horrific shape he was in. We first had to cure the mange, which involved weeks of dips and treatments during which he lived in our clinic, with the staff members all involved in his care and falling in love with him because he is such a charming boy. We have several wonderful clinics who have assisted our program for years, but want to give special thanks to Kingsland Animal Hospital for their dedication to Marius. He had to have his matted coat shaved and bathed; had Revolution applied (it combats the mites). He had repeated treatments with Revolution over the next three weeks; antibiotics for a couple of weeks; special baths and dips; the awful crusty patches started to drop off after a few days' treatments. Since Marius was so sick, he was running a high fever, which the clinic treated and quickly got down to normal temp. Though Marius was shy for our pictures, he is very sweet, wagging his tail, and has a spring in his step. Like so many of our Shelties, this little boy knows he’s been rescued and is thrilled to finally be getting help. However, only after we cured the mange and other parasites could Marius then go through HW treatment – another 4-6 weeks -- and have the hip surgery. Of course, this boy is intact and will need to be neutered after his full recovery. Two Month Update: Marius finished his regimen of dips for the mange and began HW treatment without incident. Marius is now released from the hospital who oversaw his care so lovingly and is in one of our loving foster homes. He greeted mom and kids with joy, took on a Saturday adventure in the car with grace, while continuing to kiss his foster brother. He is terrific with people, ignores kitties, fine with other dogs. Everyone who meets Marius adores him because he is so sweet and courageous. Four Month Update: Marius has successfully completed HW treatments, has had his orthopedic surgery on the worst hip and is responding well: came out of the experience with his tail wagging. He recovered 10 days in his foster home; and is now in his forever home, the parents of his doctor, where he will complete his recovery. He will remain a part of our program family and have the best possible medical care as he will need more surgery on the other hip. Our profound thanks to Kingsland and to Marius's three foster homes for helping us save this wonderful boy.